From Golden Boot to Goal Drought: Inter Milan Talisman in Trouble

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez was the architect of the club’s landmark 20th Scudetto last season, leading by example. With 24 goals, El Toro won the Capocannoniere award for the first time since arriving from Racing Club in 2018.

Unfortunately for Inter, their talismanic center-forward has been a shadow of his former self this season, leading Calciomercato to take stock of his unfathomable downfall. Indeed, his underwhelming form has been incomprehensible.

Martinez’s sterling exploits earned him a coveted Ballon d’Or nomination and, subsequently, the MVP award in Serie A. In addition to the Inter superstar’s formidable club form in 2023/24, he claimed the Golden Boot at the 2024 Copa America, inspiring Argentina to the title.

A lucrative contract renewal in August was a fitting reward for the 27-year-old’s enormous contribution in recent years. However, things have gone south for Martinez this season. Despite going from strength to strength on multiple fronts, Inter are still waiting for the ‘real’ El Toro.

Martinez had 14 goals under his belt this time last year. This term, however, he only has six from 17 appearances. With only five Serie A strikes, he’s already out of the race for the European Golden Shoe, trailing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland by 12.

The Argentine’s rough patch hit a new low on Friday. Even though Inter humbled newcomers Parma 3-1 at Giuseppe Meazza, Martinez failed to score, squandering several clear-cut chances. Simone Inzaghi can only hope his skipper won’t fluff his lines in the upcoming UEFA Champions League encounter against Bayer Leverkusen.

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